BBC Words in the News 14/01a with transcript video

Whatever measure you choose, Chinese tourists now top the global rankings. Last year just shy of 100 million Chinese made foreign trips. And collectively they spent well over $100bn overseas outstripping any other nationality.

Little more than a generation ago few Chinese ventured abroad. But the restrictions have gone, most are now free to travel, although some minorities like Tibetans still complain of hurdles getting passports.

And as China’s economy has expanded, so have people’s horizons. China’s new middle classes want to see the world. The most popular destinations are in Asia and Europe, Thailand for beaches, France for history and culture.

Britain, which requires a separate visa to the rest of Europe, has lagged behind. It received just 200,000 Chinese visitors two years ago, and is now trying to simplify the process so it doesn’t miss out on China’s new spenders.

Globally, one in three adults is now considered overweight or obese. In 1980 it was one in five.

The Future Diets report analysed existing data and found the steepest rise has been in developing nations like Mexico and Egypt, where people are spending their increasing disposable incomes on fatty, sugary foods. Numbers almost quadrupled from 250 million to 904 million.

The report also said that western countries which have been dealing with the obesity problem for longer have so far failed to tackle it effectively.

It highlighted a more successful mass campaign in South Korea to train women how to prepare traditional low-fat meals.

The report suggests following the example of some American states in taxing things like fizzy drinks and sugary sweets. It also warns if current global trends continue, there will be a huge increase in heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.